Virat Kohli Biography: The King of Modern Cricket
Virat Kohli, often hailed as the “Run Machine” and “King Kohli,” is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world. Known for his aggressive batting, exceptional fitness, and unmatched consistency, Kohli has redefined modern cricket. From his early days in Delhi to becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. This biography delves into his cricketing career, personal life, achievements, and net worth, providing a comprehensive look at the life of this cricketing legend.
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. From a young age, Kohli showed a keen interest in cricket. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of 9, where his talent was quickly recognized by coach Rajkumar Sharma.
Kohli’s early life was marked by tragedy when his father passed away in 2006 during a Ranji Trophy match. Despite the emotional setback, Kohli displayed immense resilience, scoring 90 runs the next day and dedicating his innings to his father. This incident showcased his mental strength and determination, traits that would define his career.
Cricket Career: From Domestic to International Stardom
Domestic Career
Virat Kohli made his domestic debut for Delhi in 2006. He quickly rose through the ranks, thanks to his consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments. His breakthrough came in 2008 when he led the Indian U-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. This performance earned him a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the national team.
International Debut
Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008. Although he didn’t have a memorable start, his talent was evident. He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and his T20I debut in 2010 against Zimbabwe.
International Career Stats
Test Cricket
- Matches Played: 123
- Innings Batted: 210
- Runs Scored: 9,230
- Batting Average: 46.85
- Strike Rate: 55.57
- Centuries: 30
- Half-Centuries: 31
- Fours: 1,027
- Sixes: 30
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches Played: 302
- Innings Batted: 290
- Runs Scored: 14,181
- Batting Average: 58.00
- Strike Rate: 93.34
- Centuries: 51
- Half-Centuries: 74
- Fours: 1,325
- Sixes: 152
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches Played: 125
- Innings Batted: 117
- Runs Scored: 4,188
- Batting Average: 48.69
- Strike Rate: 137.04
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 38
- Fours: 369
- Sixes: 124
IPL Career Stats
- Matches Played: 252
- Innings Batted: 244
- Runs Scored: 8,004
- Batting Average: 38.67
- Strike Rate: 131.97
- Centuries: 8
- Half-Centuries: 55
- Highest Score: 113*
- Fours: 705
- Sixes: 272
Note: Statistics are accurate as of the end of the 2024 IPL season.
Notable Achievements (In IPL)
- Leading run scorer: Kohli holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, amassing 8,004 runs. (Wikipedia)
- Most Centuries in a Season: In 2016, he scored four centuries, the most by any player in a single IPL season. (Wikipedia)
- Highest Runs in a Season: During the 2016 season, Kohli accumulated 973 runs, the highest for any batsman in a single IPL edition. (Wikipedia)
Captaincy Record
- Matches as Captain: Kohli captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 140 games from 2013 to 2021.
- Wins: 66
- Losses: 70
- No Results: 4
Note: Kohli stepped down from RCB captaincy after the 2021 season but continues to play as a key batsman for the team.
Captaincy: Leading Team India
Virat Kohli’s tenure as captain of the Indian cricket team is marked by significant achievements across all formats. Here’s a detailed overview of his captaincy record:
Test Cricket
- Matches as Captain: 68
- Victories: 40
- Defeats: 17
- Draws: 11
- Win Percentage: 58.82%
Kohli’s 40 Test wins make him India’s most successful Test captain, surpassing predecessors like MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches as Captain: 95
- Victories: 65
- Defeats: 27
- Tied Matches: 1
- No Result: 2
- Win Percentage: 68.42%
Under Kohli’s leadership, India reached the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches as Captain: 50
- Victories: 30
- Defeats: 16
- Tied Matches: 2
- No Result: 2
- Win Percentage: 60%
Kohli’s T20I captaincy reflects a strong performance, with a win rate of 60%. Source: Mykhel_Sports
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple, often referred to as “Virushka,” is one of the most popular celebrity pairs in India. They welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021.
Kohli is known for his disciplined lifestyle, which includes a strict fitness regime and a vegan diet. He is also an animal lover and advocates for environmental causes.
Net Worth and Endorsements
Virat Kohli, renowned as one of cricket’s premier batsmen, has not only achieved remarkable success on the field but has also amassed substantial wealth through endorsements and strategic investments.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Kohli’s net worth is estimated at approximately ₹1,050 crore (around $127 million), positioning him among the highest-earning cricketers globally.Sportskeeda This wealth stems from his cricketing career, brand endorsements, and business ventures.
Endorsements
Kohli’s marketability has led to partnerships with numerous prominent brands. He reportedly earns over $20 million annually from endorsements with companies such as Audi, Hero, MRF, Puma, and Valvoline.Forbes These collaborations highlight his global appeal and business acumen.
Investments and Business Ventures
Beyond endorsements, Kohli has diversified his portfolio with strategic investments. He co-owns the fashion brand Wrogn, emphasizing his interest in fashion and lifestyle. Additionally, he has invested in the fitness industry, including gyms and fitness startups, reflecting his commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Kohli’s financial success mirrors his dedication both on and off the cricket field, solidifying his status as a modern sports icon.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey from a young boy in Delhi to the captain of the Indian cricket team is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. With numerous records, accolades, and a massive fan following, Kohli has cemented his place as one of the legends of the game. As he continues to play, fans eagerly await more milestones from the “King of Modern Cricket.”
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